You probably remember the smell of Auntie Anne’s pretzels wafting through the corridors or the sight of that massive fountain that once dominated the center court. If you grew up anywhere near Muncy or the greater Williamsport area, the Lycoming Mall Williamsport PA wasn't just a place to buy jeans. It was the social heartbeat of the county.
It’s quiet now. Really quiet.
Walking past those shuttered glass doors today is a bit like visiting a ghost town made of drywall and tile. The interior officially went dark on February 24, 2023, and if you've driven by lately, you might have noticed the pylon signs looking a little more weathered than usual. But don't let the empty parking lot fool you. There is a massive, $200 million plan churning behind the scenes to turn this 135-acre site into something called "The District at Lycoming Valley."
The Rise and the "Kohan" Fall
When the mall opened in 1978, it was a marvel. Developed by Crown American, it basically sucked the retail life out of downtown Williamsport. For decades, it thrived with anchors like Hess’s, Bon-Ton, and Sears. It even survived the great "carousel era" where the central fountain was swapped for a merry-go-round that became a local landmark.
Then the 2010s hit.
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The decline wasn't just a slow burn; it felt like a freefall. The mall was sold to the Kohan Retail Investment Group in 2016 for roughly $26 million. Honestly, many locals feel like that was the beginning of the end. Mike Kohan’s reputation for letting malls "decline" preceded him, and Lycoming was no exception. Under his ownership, the mall literally lost power in 2018 because the electric bills weren't paid. Think about that. A major regional mall went dark because of a late utility bill.
By the time the pandemic rolled around, the big anchors—Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears—were already gone. The interior stores were suffocating from a lack of foot traffic and crumbling infrastructure.
The District at Lycoming Valley: A 2026 Update
So, what’s the deal right now? FamVest Partners LLC bought the property in June 2023 for $15 million, backed by a $5 million loan from Lycoming County. They aren't trying to build another "mall" in the 1980s sense. Nobody wants that anymore.
Basically, the plan is a massive mixed-use "live, work, play" destination.
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The biggest news to break recently—and the one everyone is talking about—is Bass Pro Shops. In June 2025, the outdoor giant officially announced they are coming to The District. This 75,000-square-foot "Outpost" is slated to open in early 2027. It’s a huge win. We’re talking about a store that acts as a regional tourism magnet, not just a place to buy fishing lures.
Here is what the redevelopment looks like as of early 2026:
- Demolition: About 300,000 square feet of the old mall structure is being prepped for or has already undergone demolition to make way for new, modern storefronts.
- Entertainment: The old Regal Cinema has been rebranded as "The District Cinema" and is actually open for business.
- Retail Shifts: Burlington, the last standing anchor, finally moved out in early 2025, clearing the way for full-scale site work.
- Infrastructure: The developers are currently tackling the unglamorous stuff—sewer lines, water mains, and electricity—that was neglected for a decade.
Why It’s Not Just Another Strip Mall
There’s a lot of skepticism in Williamsport. You’ve probably heard people say, "It'll just be another empty field." But the investment suggests otherwise. FamVest is looking at a $200 million total project cost. They’re pivoting toward a mix of "destination retail," healthcare facilities, and potentially residential units down the road.
One thing that makes this site specifically valuable is its location right off I-180. With the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) projects shifting traffic patterns, this corridor is seeing more eyes than ever.
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It's also worth noting the "hidden" details of the deal. State Representative Jamie Flick and Senator Gene Yaw have been vocal about using Act 13 dollars—which comes from natural gas impact fees—to fund some of this. It’s a way to revitalize the area without strictly leaning on local property taxes, which is a nuance often missed in Facebook comment sections.
What Most People Get Wrong
People often ask why they can't just "fix the mall." The reality is that the internal-mall model is dead for mid-sized markets. The heating and cooling costs for a 800,000-square-foot building with only three stores open are astronomical.
The "District" model is about creating an outdoor-facing environment. You’ll likely see stores you can drive right up to, rather than walking through a cavernous, dimly lit hallway. It’s less "Stranger Things" and more "modern lifestyle center."
What You Can Actually Do Now
If you’re looking to keep tabs on the Lycoming Mall Williamsport PA transition, don't expect a grand reopening ribbon-cutting for the whole site at once. It’s going to be a "phase-in" process.
- Support the Cinema: If you want the site to stay viable, go see a movie at The District Cinema. Foot traffic is the only currency developers care about.
- Watch the Periphery: Keep an eye on the "Lycoming Crossing" area nearby. New additions like the Chick-fil-A (which broke ground in late 2025) show that national brands still believe in this specific Muncy/Pennsdale interchange.
- Check Local Permits: If you’re a real estate nerd, the Muncy Township supervisors' meetings are where the real dirt is. That’s where you’ll hear about the boring but important stuff like "zoning variances" and "stormwater management."
The days of the Lycoming Mall being a place to go "mall walking" in the winter are mostly over. But as a multi-million dollar economic engine for Lycoming County? The story is really just starting its second chapter.
To stay updated on the specific construction timelines for the Bass Pro Shops Outpost, you can monitor the official project site at The District Lycoming or follow the Lycoming County Commissioners' weekly meeting minutes for updates on infrastructure grants and public-private partnership milestones.